for a place consisting
of a main street
two gas stations
a wild west history
and these pine dotted peaks
populated by those
who’ve chosen
to step away from society
and most of the people in it
there’s still a lot of love here
despite the hurt we’ve brought
from our pasts in the plains
there’s a community here
so many stoves to sit beside
a few hallowed haunts
to sip a beer in
as the wind whips
or the aspens green
we are all visitors here
but some stay for a long while
and together we make it through
the nine month winters
the heartbreaks the wildfires
the motorcycle traffic
and all the other ends of the world
together we make it through
our houses scattered
over the hillsides and woods
enough room to feel free
maybe even lonely
but to never truly be alone

Alexander Shalom Joseph is an award winning poet, writer and playwright from Gilpin County, and is the author of seven published books. You can find his work and more information about him at www.alexandershalomjoseph.com.